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Ohio State Buckeyes football
File:Ohio State Buckeyes logo.png
First season1889
Head coach
7th season, 62–14 (.816)
StadiumOhio Stadium
(capacity: 101,568)
Field surfaceGrass
All-time record787–301–52 (.713)
Bowl record18–20 (.474)
Claimed national titles5
Conference titles31
Heisman winners7
Consensus All-Americans128
ColorsScarlet and Gray
   
Fight songAcross the Field and Buckeye Battle Cry
MascotBrutus Buckeye
Marching bandThe Ohio State University Marching Band
RivalsMichigan Wolverines
WebsiteOhioStateBuckeyes.com

:For information specifically about the 2006 season, see 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes football team. For information about the 2007 team, see 2007 Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

The Ohio State Buckeyes football SUCKS team is an intercollegiate varsity sports program of The Ohio State University. The team represents the university as a member of the Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletics Association, playing at the Division I-A level. The team nickname is derived from the state tree of Ohio. The Buckeyes have played their home games in Ohio Stadium since 1922.

In their 116-year-history, the Buckeyes have been consensus Division IA National Champions four times (1942, 1954, 1968, and 2002), and officially recognize titles in three other years (1957, 1961, and 1970). [1] Jim Tressel has been the Buckeyes head coach since 2001.

On May 2, 2007, the NCAA released figures showing that the football program's Academic Progress Rate score is 928.[2]


History

See also: History of Ohio State Buckeyes football

1890-1933: Beginnings

In the spring of 1890 George Cole, an undergraduate, persuaded Alexander S. Lilley to coach a football team at the Ohio State University. The Buckeyes first game, played on May 3, 1890, at Delaware, Ohio, against Ohio Wesleyan University, was a victory.[3]

Ohio State's first home game was played on November 1, 1890. In Columbus, a historical marker reads:

"In the fall, life for many in Columbus revolves around Ohio State University football, from the first kickoff in September to the last play in November. O.S.U.’s first home game took place at 2:30 p.m. on November 1, 1890. The Ohio State University played the University of Wooster on this site, which was then called Recreation Park. Just east of historic German Village, the park occupied the north side of Schiller (now Whittier) between Ebner and Jaeger in what is now Schumacher Place. The weather was perfect, and the crowd reportedly including a number of women, who cheered loudly. Nonetheless, O.S.U. lost to Wooster, 64-0. Wooster, physically fit for the game, showed O.S.U. that training is critical to winning. The tradition of training continues. Today, on football Saturdays in Ohio Stadium on Woody Hayes Drive, the sound of an O.S.U. game can be heard around the world.”

Over the next eight years, under a number of coaches, the team played to a cumulative record of 31 wins, 39 losses, and 2 ties. The first game against Michigan, in Ann Arbor, was a 34-0 loss in 1897, a year that saw the low point in Buckeye football history with a 1-7-1 record.

In 1899 the university hired John Eckstorm to bring professional coaching skills to the program and immediately went undefeated. In 1901, however, center John Segrist was fatally injured in a game and the continuation of football at Ohio State was in serious question. Although the school's athletic board let the team decide its future, Eckstorm resigned. [4] In 1912 football underwent a number of developments that included joining the Western Conference, making football as part of a new Department of Athletics, and hiring Lynn W. St. John to be athletic director.

Ohio State's team came into national prominence in 1916 with the play of Charles W. "Chic" Harley, its first "triple threat" (runner, passer, and kicker). The Buckeyes had their first undefeated-untied season and nearly repeated in 1917, going 8-0-1. 1919 saw the first Buckeye victory over Michigan. Harley's popularity at Ohio State resulted in the construction of Ohio Stadium, a new, larger facility that opened in 1922.[5] Buckeye fortunes on the gridiron turned sour, however, going 28-21-6 in coach John Wilce's final seven years as head coach. Criticism of Wilce, particularly from "downtown coaches", led him to resign after the 1928 season, and was the first major negative influence of boosters and fans on the football program[6]

1934-1978 Big-time football

In hiring Francis Schmidt in March 1934 to coach its football team, Ohio State moved its program to a "big-time" level of competition. Schmidt was a well-established coach and an acknowledged offensive innovator. His offensive schemes were a "wide-open" style called "razzle-dazzle" and led him to be the first Buckeye football coach granted a multi-year contract. Schmidt's first four seasons saw victories over archrival Michigan, all by shut-out. The 1935 squad went 7-1, its sole loss was to Notre Dame, 18-13, in the first contest between the programs. However Schmidt's remaining seasons were less successful, except in 1939 when the Buckeyes won the Big Ten championship, and his popularity faded for a number of reasons.[7] On December 17, 1940, he resigned.

Ohio State hired the coach of Massillon Washington High School football team, Paul Brown, to succeed Schmidt. Brown's Tigers had just won their sixth straight state championship. Brown immediately changed Ohio State's style of offense, planned and organized his program in great detail, and delegated to his assistant coaches using highly-structured practices. Ohio State lost 22 veteran players to military service at the start of World War II, and with a team of mostly sophomores went on to lose only once in winning its first national championship. Brown accepted a commission in the United States Navy in 1944 and directed his assistant Carroll Widdoes to head the team in his absence. The 1944 team fielded 31 freshmen but went undefeated and untied, including a victory over Paul Brown's Great Lakes Navy team. Ohio State finished second in the national rankings behind Army and Les Horvath became the first Buckeye to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.

Brown chose not to return to Ohio State after the war, going into professional football instead. Widdoes, despite having the highest two-year winning percentage of any Buckeye coach, asked to return to an assistant's position. Paul Bixler, an assistant, replaced Widdoes and endured a mediocre 4-3-2 season. Bixler resigned and talk of Ohio State being a "graveyard of coaches" became commonplace, a reputation that lingered for decades.[8]

Wes Fesler became head coach in 1947 but finished last in the Big Ten for the only time in team history. Ohio State improved greatly in 1948, winning 6 and losing 3, then in 1949 enjoyed a successful season due to the play of sophomore Vic Janowicz. Ohio State received the Rose Bowl invitation, where they came from behind to defeat California. In 1950 Fesler, rumored to be resigning because of pressures associated with the position and abuse of his family by anonymous critics, returned to coach the Buckeyes, who won six games in a row to move into the top ranking in the AP poll. However the season fell apart as the Buckeyes lost to Michigan during a blizzard, a game that came to be known as the "Snow Bowl". Two weeks later, citing concerns about his health and family, Fesler resigned.

File:Woody Hayes.jpg
Coach Woody Hayes

Wayne Woodrow Hayes beat out Paul Brown, among others, to be named head coach on February 18, 1951. He instituted a demanding practice regimen and was both aggressive and vocal in enforcing it, alienating many players accustomed to Fesler's laid-back style. The 1951 Buckeyes won 4, lost 3, and tied 2, leaving many to question the ability of the new coach. In 1952 the team improved to 6-3, and recorded their first victory over Michigan in eight years, but after a 1953 loss to Michigan, critics called for the replacement of Hayes.

In 1954 the Buckeyes were picked to finish no higher than 5th in the Big Ten. Hayes, however, had the talents of Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, and an historic goal-line stand against Michigan propelled Ohio State to a perfect season. Hayes led the powerhouse Buckeyes to a shared national championship (his first and the team's second). In 1955 the team again won the Big Ten, set an attendance record, and won in Ann Arbor for the first time in 18 years, while Hopalong Cassady was securing the Heisman Trophy. Ohio State passed only three times against Michigan (the sole reception was the only completion in the final three games of the year), leading to characterization of Hayes' style of offensive play as "three yards and a cloud of dust".

In a 1955 article in Sports Illustrated, Hayes admitted making small personal loans to financially-needy players.[9] The article resulted in a furor over possible violations of NCAA rules, and the faculty council, followed by the Big Ten and NCAA, conducted lengthy investigations. Big Ten Commissioner Kenneth "Tug" Wilson found Hayes and the program guilty of violations and placed it on a year's probation in 1956. In 1957 Ohio State won all of its remaining games after an opening loss to claim the Big Ten championship, win the Rose Bowl over Oregon, and share a national championship title with Auburn, for which Hayes was named Coach of the Year.

In 1961 the team went undefeated to be named national champions by the FWAA but a growing conflict between academics and athletics over Ohio State's reputation as a "football school" resulted in a faculty council vote to decline an invitation to the Rose Bowl, resulting in much public protest and debate.[10] Over the next 6 seasons Ohio State finished no higher than 2nd, and had a losing season in 1966, and public speculation that Hayes would be replaced as coach grew to its highest point since 1953.

In 1968 Ohio State defeated the number one-ranked Purdue Boilermakers and continued to an undefeated season including a 50-14 rout of Michigan and a Rose Bowl victory over the USC Trojans that resulted in the national championship. The Class of 1970 became known as the "super sophomores" in 1968, and might have gone on to three consecutive national championships except for what may have been the bitterest loss in Buckeye history. The winning streak reached 22 games as Ohio State traveled to Michigan. The Buckeyes were 17-point favorites but directed by first-year coach Bo Schembechler, Michigan shocked the Buckeyes in a 24-12 upset.

The 1969 loss to Michigan initiated what came to be known as "The Ten Year War," in which the rivalry, which pitted some of OSU’s and UM’s strongest teams ever, rose to the uppermost level of all sports and the competition between Schembechler and Hayes became legendary. [11] Four times between 1970 and 1975, Ohio State and Michigan were both ranked in the top five of the AP Poll before their matchup. Hayes had the upper hand during the first part of the war, in which Ohio State won the conference championship and went to the Rose Bowl four straight years, while Michigan won the final three.

Archie Griffin came to Ohio State in 1972, set a new Buckeye single-game rushing record and led the team in rushing for the season. The following season Hayes installed an I-formation attack with Griffin at tailback and the Buckeyes went undefeated with a powerful offense and equally impenetrable defense, the only blemish on their record a 10-10 tie with Michigan. The falloff in success of Hayes' last three years was not great but resulted in growing criticism of Hayes and his methods, particularly his on-the-field fits of temper. His downfall was sudden and shocking when at the 1978 Gator Bowl, Hayes took a swing at a Clemson middle guard in frustration after an interception. Hayes was fired after the game.

1979-present

Buckeye fans enjoying a game at Ohio Stadium.

Hayes was replaced by a former protegé, Earle Bruce, who inherited a strong team led by sophomore quarterback Art Schlichter and returned to the Rose Bowl with an opportunity once again to be national champions. The Buckeyes lost both by a single point, but Bruce was named Coach of the Year. His success was hailed by those in the media who saw it as a rebuke of Hayes and the start of a "new era".[12]

1980, however, saw the start of a trend that eventually brought criticism to Bruce, when Ohio State finished with a 9-3 record, the first of six consecutive years at 9-3. Though each of these seasons, and the 10-3 season that followed them, culminated in a bowl game, Ohio State did not appear to be any closer to a national championship than during the end of the Hayes era.

In 1986 Bruce received a 3-year contract, the first for the modern program but the team opened with two losses, which had not occurred in over 90 years. The Buckeyes then won 9 in a row before Michigan took a close game. After the season Bruce was offered the position of head coach at the University of Arizona but was persuaded to stay at his alma mater by Athletic Director Rick Bay. Hopes for a standout season in 1987 suffered a serious setback when All-American wide receiver Cris Carter was dropped from the team for signing with an agent. Ohio State lost three conference games in a row going into the Michigan game.

On the Monday of Michigan week, after a weekend of rumors and speculation, Ohio State President Edward Jennings fired Bruce but tried to keep the dismissal secret until after the end of the season. Jennings made his own situation worse by refusing to give a reason for the firing,[13] but the Buckeyes enjoyed an emotional come-from-behind victory over Michigan after the entire team wore headbands bearing the word "EARLE".

John Cooper was hired as head coach with a winning record at both Tulsa and Arizona State University that stood out among his credentials, as did a victory over Michigan in the 1987 Rose Bowl. Cooper's thirteen years as Buckeye head coach are largely remembered in the litany of negative statistics associated with him: a notorious 2-10-1 record against Michigan, a 3-9 record in bowl games, a 5-year losing streak to Illinois, a 63-14 loss to Penn State, and a 28-24 loss to unranked Michigan State when the Buckeyes were the top-ranked team in the nation and en route to a national championship. However his record also had many positives: back-to-back victories over Notre Dame, two finishes second-ranked in the polls, and three Big Ten championships (albeit shared). Cooper also recruited 15 players who first-round draft picks in the National Football League.[14]

File:N12453669 33979008 6219.jpg
The 2006 football team rushing onto the field during the Michigan game.

In January 2001, the Ohio State University dismissed Cooper. A loss in the 2000 Outback Bowl was a factor in his subsequent firing, as was negative publicity regarding player behavior before and during the game. Other contributing factors included the record against Michigan (which was actually considered by most people to be the biggest reason for his firing), a reputation of inability to win "big games", the lack of a national championship, the perception of him as an outsider by many alumni, the poor bowl game record, and finally a perceived lack of discipline on the team.

Ohio State quickly sought a replacement for Cooper and after a nationwide search hired Jim Tressel. With 4 NCAA Division I-AA National Championships at Youngstown State Tressel, formerly an assistant coach for Earle Bruce, was an Ohioan who was considered to be appreciative of Buckeye football traditions. Although there were some doubts whether Tressel could repeat his earlier success at the Division 1A level, most fans and alumni met the coaching change with enthusiasm. The day of his hiring, Jim Tressel, speaking to fans and students at a Buckeye basketball game, made a prophetic implication that he would lead the Buckeyes to beat Michigan in Ann Arbor the following November.[15]

Tressel's first season was difficult as the Buckeyes went 7-5, but he made good on his promise, beating Michigan in Ann Arbor. While its fans were optimistic about the chance for success of the 2002 team, most observers were surprised by Ohio State's National Championship.[16][17] Ohio State used strong defense, ball-control play-calling, and field position tactics to win numerous close games, a style of play characterized as "Tresselball",[18] and disparaged by detractors as "the Luckeyes".[19] One of the most notable examples occurred against Purdue on November 9, when quarterback Craig Krenzel threw a 4th down touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins late in the game to win, on a play that has gone down in Buckeye lore as "Holy Buckeye". (Buckeye Commentary - Holy Buckeye)

A dramatic second-straight victory over Michigan propelled them into the BCS National Championship Game at the Fiesta Bowl, where they beat the heavily-favored Miami Hurricanes in two overtimes in what ESPN described as one of the greatest championship games ever.[20][21]

Tressel's success continued with an additional Big Ten championships with is 2005 team and 2006 team (the 2006 title outright) and a record through the 2006 season of 62-14, as the Buckeyes won 19 consecutive games, most by fourteen or more points.

File:2006-09 Austin Texas 091.jpg
Ohio State's Troy Smith hands off to Antonio Pittman vs the 2006 Longhorns

In the initial USA Today Coaches' Poll of 2006, Ohio State was ranked the number one team in Division I-A,[22] topped the first BCS rankings of the 2006 season in October, and remained atop all the way through the regular season. On November 18 the Buckeyes defeated the #2 ranked and unbeaten Michigan Wolverines 42-39, the first time in the 103-year history of the rivalry that the teams entered the game ranked first and second. As a result, Ohio State won the Big Ten championship and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Ohio State also received a perfect score of 1.000 under the BCS formula, the first team ever to do so. Quarterback Troy Smith was awarded the Heisman Trophy, the seventh time a Buckeye has been so honored, to equal the most by a single team in the history of the trophy.

On January 8, 2007, the Buckeyes suffered a 41-14 loss to the Florida Gators in the BCS National Championship game. Dominated in all phases, Ohio State's quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith was held to 35 yards passing and sacked 5 times.

2007 team

Coaching staff

Since January 18, 2001, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes has been Jim Tressel. He heads a staff of approximately eighty:

Name Position Year Former OSU positions held Alma mater
Jim Tressel Head Coach 2001 Quarterbacks 1983-85, Running backs 1984-85 Baldwin-Wallace College 1975
Jim Bollman Offensive Coordinator-Offensive Line 2001 Ohio University 1977
Joe Daniels Passing Game Coordinator 2004 Quarterbacks 2002; Wide Receivers 2002-2003 Slippery Rock University 1964
Darrell Hazell Assistant Head Coach-Wide Receivers 2004 Muskingum College 1986
John Peterson Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator 2004 The Ohio State University 1991
Dick Tressel Running Backs 2004 Associate Director of Football Operations 2001-2003 Baldwin-Wallace College 1970
Jim Heacock Defensive Coordinator-Defensive Line 2005 Defensive Tackles 1996-1999, Defensive line 2000 Muskingum College 1970
Luke Fickell Co-Defensive Coordinator-Linebackers 2005 Special teams 2002-2003, Linebackers 2004 The Ohio State University 1997
Taver Johnson Corner Backs 2007 Wittenberg University 1993
Paul Haynes Safeties 2005 Kent State University 1993
Eric Lichter Director of Football Performance 2006 Weber State University 1997
Joe Rudolph Strength Coordinator 2006 University of Wisconsin 1995
Butch Reynolds Speed Coordinator 2005 The Ohio State University 1991
Bob Tucker Director of Football Operations 2001 College of Wooster 1965
Stan Jefferson Associate Director of Football Operations 2004 The Ohio State University 1974

Player roster, depth chart, and schedule

Main article: 2007 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

Buckeye football traditions

Ohio State football is rich in traditions, and Coach Tressel has since his hiring made upholding tradition a cornerstone of his program.[23] The following are football traditions in chronogical order of longevity:

  • Senior tackle

Begun in 1913 by head coach John Wilce, seniors on the team are recognized at the last practice of the season, either before the Michigan game or before departing Columbus to play in a bowl game, and hit the blocking sled a final time.[24]

  • Illibuck

The winner of the Ohio State-Illinois game has been awarded the Illibuck trophy since 1925.[25]

  • Gold pants

A gold miniature charm depicting a pair of football pants is given to all players and coaches following a victory over the Michigan Wolverines. The tradition began as the result of a comment to reporters by newly-hired head coach Francis Schmidt on March 2, 1934: "How about Michigan? They put their pants on one leg at a time, the same as we do!" The first gold pants, which were a creation of Simon Lazarus (president of the Lazarus chain of department stores) and Herbert Levy,[26] were awarded that year for a 34-0 drubbing of the Wolverines.[27]

  • Captain's Breakfast

1934 also saw the first gathering of former team captains for breakfast on the Sunday following the Homecoming game. The event began when local businessman Walter Jeffrey invited twenty former captains to the Scioto Country Club to honor them, and continues to welcome new captains and award them mugs bearing their names and season.[28][29]

  • Buckeye Grove

Begun in 1934, each player who wins "first-team All-American" honors is recognized by the planting of a buckeye tree and installation of a plaque in Buckeye Grove, now located near the southwestern corner of Ohio Stadium next to Morrill Tower. Trees are planted in ceremonies held prior to the Spring Game. All 125 Buckeye All-Americans dating back to 1914 have been so honored.[30]

  • Michigan Week

Since 1935 the annual game against Michigan has been the final meeting of the regular season for both teams. The week prior to "The Game", known as Michigan Week, is characterized by scheduled school spirit and public service events, such as rallies, touch football games, and blood drives;[31] and by massive displays of school colors and banners in much of Ohio. (In an unofficial culmination to Michigan Week, since 1990 on the Thursday night before "The Game" students have participated in the "Mirror Lake jump", an unofficial gathering at Mirror Lake, a pond between Pomerene Hall and The Oval, in which masses of students jump into the water.)[32]

  • Kickoff

During kickoffs at home games, the crowd shouts "O-H-I-O." Occasionally the chant can be heard at away games where there is a large number of Buckeye fans.[citation needed]

  • Block O

Since 1938 the registered student organization Block O has been the "Official Cheering Section" of the Buckeyes. "Known for spreading spirit, starting cheers and performing card stunts, Block 'O' was founded...by Clancy Isaac".[33] They occupy Section 39A in the South grandstand of Ohio Stadium, next to the band.[34][35]

  • Victory Bell

The Victory Bell is rung after every Ohio State victory by members of Alpha Phi Omega, a tradition that began after the Bucks beat California October 2, 1954. Reputedly the ringing can be heard five miles away "on a calm day." Located 150 feet high in the southeast tower of Ohio Stadium, the bell was a gift of the classes of 1943, 1944 and 1945, and weighs 2,420 pounds. [36]

  • Hang on Sloopy

First played at the Minnesota game of October 9, 1965, the rock song Hang On Sloopy is now played by the marching band before the start of the fourth quarter, with fans performing an O-H-I-O chant in the intervals between the refrains. The song is also played to encourage the team's defensive players when opponents are moving the ball on offense late in a game.[37]

  • Buckeye leaves

Since 1968 the helmets of Ohio State players have been adorned with white decals approximately the size of a quarter depicting a buckeye leaf, awarded for making significant plays and for consistency of performance.[38]

  • Tunnel of Pride

The Tunnel of Pride began with the 1994 Michigan game when all former players who were in attendance formed a tunnel through which the team ran to take the field, and Ohio State beat its rival that day, 22-6. Rex Kern, quarterback of the 1968 National Championship team, and then Director of Athletics Andy Geiger together used the concept as a means of connecting current Buckeyes with those who played before them. The Tunnel of Pride was next formed for the 1995 Notre Dame game, which the Buckeyes also won. In each home game against Michigan since, the tradition has been repeated. [39][40]

  • Carmen Ohio

Instituted by Coach Tressel in 2001, at the conclusion of all home games the coaches, players and cheerleaders gather in the south end zone next to the marching band to sing the university's alma mater, Carmen Ohio.[41]

  • TBDBITL
Main article: The Ohio State University Marching Band

The Marching Band, known by its acronym as "The Best Damn Band In The Land," is the most visible and possibly best-known tradition of Ohio State football.[42] Home games are preceded by three much-anticipated traditions, and a fourth, "dotting the 'i'" of Script Ohio, enjoys a reputation all its own:[43]

Rivalries

Main article: Michigan-Ohio State rivalry
Main article: Illibuck Trophy

While its rivalry with the University of Michigan is its most renowned and intense, Ohio State has two other series marked by their longevity, both Big Ten Conference rivals, those of Indiana and Illinois. The series versus Indiana began as a non-conference matchup, with Indiana going undefeated at 4-0-1. In conference, however, the Buckeyes (despite losing the opening conference game) are 65-8-4 through the 2006 season, the most wins against any opponent. Illinois also began with non-conference games (0-1-1) but became the longest continuous series in 2002 when the schools played in their 89th consecutive year. (Michigan and Ohio State will play their 90th consecutive year in 2007.) Through 2006 Ohio State's record against the Illini is 60-29-4.

When Penn State was added to the conference football play in 1993, every member was given two designated rivals, teams to be played every year, with the other conference teams rotated out of the schedule at regular intervals. Ohio State named Penn State as its designated rival in addition to Michigan.

All-time records

All-time coaching records

Head Coach Period W-L-T Record Win % Big10 N/C vs Michigan
Alexander S. Lilley 1890-1891 3-5 37.5 n/a n/a
Frederick B. "Jack" Ryder 1892-95/1898 22-22-2 50.0 n/a n/a
Charles A. Hickey 1896 5-5-1¹ 50.0 n/a n/a
David F. Edwards 1897 1-7-1 16.7 n/a 0-1
John B. Eckstorm 1899-1901 22-4-3 84.7 n/a 0-1-1
Perry Hale 1902-1903 14-5-2 71.4 n/a 0-2
Edwin R. Sweetland 1904-1905 14-7-2 65.2 n/a 0-2
Albert E. Herrnstein 1906-1909 28-10-1 73.1 n/a 0-4
Howard H. Jones 1910 6-1-3 75.0 n/a 0-0-1
Harry Vaughn 1911 5-3-2 60.0 n/a 0-1
John R. Richards 1912 6-3 66.7 0-1
John W. Wilce 1913-1928 78-33-9 68.8 3 4-7
Sam S. Willaman 1929-1933 26-10-5 69.5 2-3
Francis A. Schmidt 1934-1940 39-16-1 70.5 2 4-3
Paul E. Brown 1941-1943 18-8-1 68.5 1 1 1-1-1
Carroll C. Widdoes 1944-1945 16-2 88.9 1 1-1
Paul O. Bixler 1946 4-3-2 55.6 0-1
Wesley E. Fesler 1947-1950 21-13-3 60.8 1 0-3-1
W.W. "Woody" Hayes 1951-1978 205–61-10 76.1 13 5² 16-11-1
Earle Bruce 1979-1987 81-26-1 75.5 4 5-4
John Cooper 1988-2000 111-43-4 71.5 3 2-10-1
James P. Tressel 2001-Current 62-14 81.6 3 1 5-1
TOTALS 1890-Current 787-301-53 72.3 31 7 40-57-6

All totals per OSU Athletics

¹ Hickey was hired part-way into the season and a student coached the team several games.
² 1970 national title recognized by OSU Athletics

All-time Bowl Games

2006/07 BCS Championship— Florida 41, Ohio State 14 (final #2 ranking)

2005/06 Fiesta— Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 20 (final #4 ranking)

2004/05 Alamo— Ohio State 33, Oklahoma State 7

2003/04 Fiesta— Ohio State 35, Kansas State 28 (final #4 ranking)

2002/03 Fiesta— Ohio State 31, Miami (FL) 24 (2OT) (National Champions)

2001/02 Outback— South Carolina 31, Ohio State 28

2000/01 Outback— South Carolina 24, Ohio State 7

1998/99 Sugar— Ohio State 24, Texas A&M 14 (final #2 ranking)

1997/98 Sugar— Florida State 31, Ohio State 14

1996/97 Rose— Ohio State 20, Arizona State 17 (final #2 ranking)

1995/96 Citrus— Tennessee 20, Ohio State 14

1994/95 Citrus— Alabama 24, Ohio State 17

1993/94 Holiday— Ohio State 28, Brigham Young 21

1992/93 Citrus— Georgia 21, Ohio State 14

1991/92 Hall of Fame— Syracuse 24, Ohio State 17

1990/91 Liberty— Air Force 23, Ohio State 11

1989/90 Hall of Fame— Auburn 31, Ohio State 14

1986/87 Cotton— Ohio State 28, Texas A&M 12

1985/86 Citrus— Ohio State 10, Brigham Young 7

1984/85 Rose— Southern California 20, Ohio State 17

1983/84 Fiesta— Ohio State 28, Pittsburgh 23

1982/83 Holiday— Ohio State 47, Brigham Young 17

1981/82 Liberty— Ohio State 31, Navy 28

1980/81 Fiesta— Penn State 31, Ohio State 19

1979/80 Rose— Southern California 17, Ohio State 16

1978/79 Gator— Clemson 17, Ohio State 15

1977/78 Sugar— Alabama 35, Ohio State 6

1976/77 Orange— Ohio State 27, Colorado 10

1975/76 Rose— UCLA 23, Ohio State 10

1974/75 Rose— Southern California 18, Ohio State 17

1973/74 Rose— Ohio State 42, Southern California 21

1972/73 Rose— Southern California 42, Ohio State 17

1970/71 Rose— Stanford 27, Ohio State 17

1968/69 Rose— Ohio State 27, Southern California 16

1957/58 Rose— Ohio State 10, Oregon 7

1954/55 Rose— Ohio State 20, Southern California 7

1949/50 Rose— Ohio State 17, California 14

1920/21 Rose— California 28, Ohio State 0

All-time Big Ten records

Source: Ohio State Athletics football page

Over the years, Ohio State has either won outright or shared 31 Big Ten titles. The championship in 2006 was OSU's third under Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes also shared the title in 2005 (7-1 Big Ten) and in 2002, notching a perfect 8-0 record. With a 8-0 league record as of November 18, 2006, Ohio State owns an all-time Big Ten record of 436-187-28 in 94 seasons of league competition.

Opponent W-L-T record
Chicago 10-2-2
Illinois 60-29-4
Indiana 65-12-5
Iowa 44-14-3
Michigan 40-57-6
Michigan State 25-12-0
Minnesota 39-7-0
Northwestern 57-14-1
Penn State 11-11-0
Purdue 35-12-2
Wisconsin 50-17-5
TOTAL 436-187-28

Individual awards and achievements

Retired football jerseys[44]
Number Player
45 Archie Griffin
31 Vic Janowicz
40 Howard "Hopalong" Cassady
22 Les Horvath
27 Eddie George
47 Charles "Chic" Harley

Through the 2006 season Ohio State players have by a significant margin won more major trophies than any other NCAA Division 1A program. Ohio State players have won 34 of the listed major awards, with the next closest being 26 (Oklahoma). Ohio State is the only university to have received each of the awards at least once. Of the five awards created prior to 1980 (Heisman, Lombardi, Maxwell, Outland, and Walter Camp), Ohio State has received the most with 25 (Notre Dame follows with 23).

Heisman Trophy

Ohio State players have won the Heisman Trophy seven times. Archie Griffin is the only two-time recipient in the history of the award.

Lombardi Award

Ohio State players have won the Lombardi Award six times. Orlando Pace is the only two-time recipient in the history of the award.

Maxwell Award

Four Ohio State players have won the Maxwell Award:

Outland Trophy

Four Ohio State players have won the Outland Trophy:

Walter Camp Award

Three Ohio State players have won the Walter Camp Award:

Other Awards

Season MVP

Voted by players at the end of the season.

All-Century Team

See also: Ohio State Football All-Century Team

NCAA Coach of the Year

Three Ohio State head coaches have received the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award as NCAA Coach of the Year a total of five times:

In addition, two coaches were voted "National Coach of the Year" before the inception of the Bryant Award. Carroll Widdoes, acting head coach after Paul Brown had entered the U.S. Navy, was voted the honor in 1944. Brown himself was voted the honor in 1942 for winning the National Championship but declined in favor of Georgia Tech's Bill Alexander.

All-American and All-Conference honors

Through 2006 128 Buckeyes have been named First team All-Americans since 1914. 234 have been named to the All-Big Ten team, and 15 have won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player award, including Troy Smith for 2006. The Athletic Directors of the Big Ten Conference voted Eddie George Big Ten-Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year for 1996.

On November 22, 2006, ten Buckeyes were named to either the Coaches or Conference media All-Big Ten First Team selections for the 2006 season, and seven were named to both. Troy Smith was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. Four other Buckeyes received Second Team honors.

Academic awards and achievements

Rhodes Scholarship

On December 6, 1985, Mike Lanese was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University.

College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-Americans

Academic All-American Hall of Fame

Academic All-Americans

Academic All-American Player of the Year

Academic All-Americans

Year Player Position
1952 John Borton Quarterback
1954 Dick Hilinski Tackle
1958 Bob White Fullback
1961 Tom Perdue End
1965 Bill Ridder Middle guard
1966 Dave Foley Offensive tackle
1967 Dave Foley Offensive tackle
1968 Dave Foley Offensive tackle
1968 Mark Stier Linebacker
1969 Bill Urbanik Defensive tackle
1971 Rick Simon Offensive tackle
1973 Randy Gradishar Linebacker
1974 Brian Baschnagel Running back
1975 Brian Baschnagel Running back
1976 Pete Johnson Fullback
1976 Bill Lukens Offensive guard
1977 Jeff Logan Running back
1980 Marcus Marek Linebacker
1980 John Weisensell¹ Offensive guard
1982 Joe Smith Offensive tackle
1982 John Frank Tight end
1983 John Frank Tight end
1983 Dave Crecelius¹ Defensive tackle
1984 Dave Crecelius Defensive tackle
1984 Mike Lanese Wide receiver
1984 Anthony Tiuliani¹ Defensive tackle
1985 Mike Lanese Wide receiver
1987 Joe Staysniak¹ Offensive tackle
1989 Joe Staysniak Offensive tackle
1990 Greg Smith¹ Defensive line
1992 Len Hartman Offensive guard
1992 Greg Smith Defensive line
1995 Greg Bellisari Linebacker
1996 Greg Bellisari Linebacker
1998 Jerry Rudzinski¹ Linebacker
1999 Ahmed Plummer Cornerback
2002 Craig Krenzel¹ Quarterback
2002 Ben Hartsock¹ Tight end
2003 Craig Krenzel Quarterback

¹2nd team award

National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame

Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy ("Academic Heisman")

National Scholar-Athlete Awards

Ohio State's eighteen NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards rank second only to Nebraska's twenty among all college football programs.

Individual school records

See also: Ohio State Buckeyes football yearly statistical leaders

Rushing records

  • Most rushing attempts, career: 924, Archie Griffin (1972-75)
  • Most rushing attempts, season: 336, Keith Byars (1984)
  • Most rushing attempts, game: 44, Champ Henson (November 18, 1972 at Northwestern)
  • Most rushing yards, career: 5,589, Archie Griffin (1972-75)
  • Most rushing yards, season: 1,927, Eddie George (1995)
  • Most rushing yards, game: 314, Eddie George (November 11, 1995 vs. Illinois)
  • Most rushing touchdowns, career: 56, Pete Johnson (1973-76)
  • Most rushing touchdowns, season: 25, Pete Johnson (1975)
  • Most rushing touchdowns, game: 5, Pete Johnson (September 27, 1975 vs. North Carolina) and Keith Byars (October 13,1984 vs. Illinois)
  • Longest run from scrimmage: 89 yards, Gene Fekete (November 7, 1942 vs. Pittsburgh)
  • Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, career: 34, Archie Griffin (1972-75)
  • Most games with at least 100 rushing yards, season: 12, Eddie George (1995)
  • Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, career: 5 Eddie George (1992-95)
  • Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, season: 3, Eddie George (1995)

Passing records

  • Most passing attempts, career: 934, Art Schlichter (1978-81)
  • Most passing attempts, season: 384, Joe Germaine (1998)
  • Most passing attempts, game: 52, Art Schlichter (October 3, 1981 vs. Florida State)
  • Most passing completions, career: 498, Bobby Hoying (1992-95)
  • Most passing completions, season: 230, Joe Germaine (1998)
  • Most passing completions, game: 31, Art Schlichter (October 3, 1981 vs. Florida State) and Joe Germaine (October 31, 1998 at Indiana)
  • Most passing yards, career: 7,547, Art Schlichter (1978-81)
  • Most passing yards, season: 3,330, Joe Germaine (1998)
  • Most passing yards, game: 458, Art Schlichter (October 3, 1981 vs. Florida State)
  • Most passing touchdowns, career: 57, Bobby Hoying (1992-95)
  • Most passing touchdowns, season: 30, Troy Smith (2006)
  • Most passing touchdowns, game: 5, John Borton (October 18,1952 vs. Washington State) and twice by Bobby Hoying (October 22,1994 vs. Purdue and September 23,1995 at Pittsburgh)
  • Longest pass completion: 86 yards, Art Schlichter to Calvin Murray (September 22, 1979 vs. Washington State)
  • Most games with at least 200 passing yards, career: 16, Bobby Hoying (1992-95)
  • Most games with at least 200 passing yards, season: 11, Bobby Hoying (1995) and Joe Germaine (1998)
  • Most games with at least 300 passing yards, career: 8, Joe Germaine (1996-98)
  • Most games with at least 300 passing yards, season: 7, Joe Germaine (1998)

Receiving records

  • Most receptions, career: 191, David Boston (1996-98)
  • Most receptions, season: 85, David Boston (1998)
  • Most receptions, game: 14, David Boston (October 11, 1997 at Penn State)
  • Most receiving yards, career: 2,898, Michael Jenkins (2000-03)
  • Most receiving yards, season: 1,435, David Boston (1998)
  • Most receiving yards, game: 253, Terry Glenn (September 23,1995 at Pittsburgh)
  • Most touchdown receptions, career: 34, David Boston (1996-98)
  • Most touchdown receptions, season: 17, Terry Glenn (1995)
  • Most touchdown receptions, game: 4, Bob Grimes (October 18,1952 vs. Washington State) and Terry Glenn (September 23,1995 at Pittsburgh)
  • Longest pass reception: 86 yards, Calvin Murray from Art Schlichter (September 22, 1979 vs. Washington State)
  • Most games with at least 100 receiving yards, career: 14, David Boston (1996-98)
  • Most games with at least 100 receiving yards, season: 9, David Boston (1998)

Kickoff return records

  • Most kickoff returns, career: 72, Maurice Hall (2001-04)
  • Most kickoff returns, season: 31, Ken-Yon Rambo (1999)
  • Most kickoff returns, game: 7, Vince Workman (November 7, 1987 at Wisconsin)
  • Most kickoff return yards, career: 1,642, Maurice Hall (2001-04)
  • Most kickoff return yards, season: 653, Ken-Yon Rambo (1999)
  • Most kickoff return yards, game: 213, Carlos Snow (September 17, 1988 at Pittsburgh)
  • Most kickoff return touchdowns, career: 2, Dean Sensanbaugher (1943-47) and Lenny Willis (1974)
  • Longest kickoff return: 103 yards, Dean Sensanbaugher (October 9, 1943 at Great Lakes)

Punt return records

Buckeyes in the NFL

Buckeyes in the NFL
NFL Draft selections
Total selected: 325
First picks in draft: 3
1st Round: 66
NFL achievements
Total Players: 308
In the Super Bowl: 54
Hall of Famers: 5

54 former Ohio State players are currently active on rosters of National Football League teams: Will Allen, Tim Anderson, Kyle Andrews, Rodney Bailey, LeCharles Bentley, David Boston, Bobby Carpenter, Drew Carter, Bam Childress, Adrien Clarke, Nate Clements, Na'il Diggs, Mike Doss, Tyler Everett, Dustin Fox, Simon Fraser, Joey Galloway, Chris Gamble, Terry Glenn, Marcus Green, Andy Groom, Ben Hartsock, A.J. Hawk, Santonio Holmes, Kevin Houser, Josh Huston, Michael Jenkins, Branden Joe, Mike Kudla, Nick Mangold, Donnie Nickey, Mike Nugent, Shane Olivea, Orlando Pace, Kenny Peterson, Ryan Pickett, Robert Reynolds, Nate Salley, B.J. Sander, Darnell Sanders, Anthony Schlegel, Darrion Scott, Rob Sims, Will Smith, Shawn Springs, Alex Stepanovich, E.J. Underwood, Mike Vrabel, Tyson Walter, Donte Whitner, Matt Wilhelm, Dan Wilkinson, Antoine Winfield, and Ashton Youboty.

Former notable NFL players who played at Ohio State include: Lou Groza, Dante Lavelli, Jim Parker, Bill Willis, Cris Carter, Paul Warfield, Jim Marshall, Jim Houston, Jack Tatum, Randy Gradishar, Dick Schafrath, Jim Lachey, Tom Tupa, Chris Spielman, Korey Stringer, Raymont Harris, and Eddie George. Groza, Lavelli, Parker, Warfield, and Willis have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ohio State Players Selected In 2007 NFL Draft

With two first-round selections in 2007, the Buckeyes have the most first-round selections all-time in the history of the NFL draft, one more than USC.[45]

2007 NFL draft selections
Round Pick # Team Player
1 9 Miami Dolphins Ted Ginn Jr. Wide receiver
1 32 Indianapolis Colts Anthony Gonzalez Wide receiver
3 18 Indianapolis Colts Quinn Pitcock Defensive end
4 107 New Orleans Saints Antonio Pittman Running Back
5 138 Oakland Raiders Jay Richardson Defensive tackle
5 169 Indianapolis Colts Roy Hall Wide receiver
5 174 Baltimore Ravens Troy Smith Quarterback
6 198 Atlanta Falcons Doug Datish Center

Reference notes

  1. ^ "National Championships". The Ohio State University Department of Athletics. Retrieved 26 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help) Banners for all seven titles hang in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center
  2. ^ "Scolarships". Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 3 May. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Jack Park (2002). The Official Ohio State Football Encyclopedia. Sports Publishing LLC. pp. p.10. ISBN 1-58261-006-1. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  4. ^ Park, p.28
  5. ^ "The Ohio Stadium Story". Football Ballparks. Retrieved 9 Aug. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Park, p.112-115
  7. ^ Park, p.166.
  8. ^ "2006 Team previews- Ohio State". SI.com. Retrieved 20 Aug. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ "#11—Iowa at Ohio State—November 11, 1957". The Buckeye 50 Yard Line. Retrieved 2 Oct. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Park, pp. 340 and 342.
  11. ^ "UM-OSU more than just a game". ESPN. Retrieved 13 Oct. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Making 'Em Forget Woody". Time Magazine. Retrieved 11 Dec. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Park, pp. 537-538
  14. ^ "John Cooper Profile". TOSU Football Official Site. Retrieved 19 Dec. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "Tressel Eyes Finally Bucking the Wolverines". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 11 Dec. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ "BCS National Title Game Bowl preview". Covers.com. Retrieved 13 Jan. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Paul Keels (2003). "Chapter 1 Expectations". Paul Keels Tales from the Buckeyes' Championship Season. Sports Publishing LLC. pp. P.6. ISBN 1-58261-539-X. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  18. ^ "Tresselball just keeps winning". ESPN. Retrieved 19 Dec. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ "Ohio State must shake Luckeyes image". Akron Beacon-Journal. Retrieved 19 Dec. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help) Chosen at random to find media source. Google "Luckeyes" for 4560 hits.
  20. ^ "In first OT national title game, Buckeyes prevail". ESPN. Retrieved 13 Jan. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ "This title game trumps the rest". ESPN. Retrieved 13 Jan. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Breaking down the top 25 teams". USA Today. 5 August 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ Park, p.1
  24. ^ Todd Lamb, editor (2002). Ohio State Football Gameday. The Ohio State Athletics Communications Office. pp. 42–43. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  25. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.42
  26. ^ Snook, "Charlie Ream 1934-1937", p.3
  27. ^ Park, p.141
  28. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.42
  29. ^ Park, p.145
  30. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.42
  31. ^ "Beat Michigan Week". The Ohio State University Union. Retrieved 26 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ "How the Mirror Lake Jump Came to Be". The Lantern 17 Nov 2005. Retrieved 26 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ "Football Traditions". TOSU Football Official Site. Retrieved 27 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ "Block "O"". The Ohio State University. Retrieved 26 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ "Tradition-Block O". Coach Tressel.com. Retrieved 26 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.42
  37. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.42
  38. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.42
  39. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.42
  40. ^ "Tunnel of Pride". Coach Tressel.com. Retrieved 26 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ "Tradition-Carmen Ohio". Coach Tressel.com. Retrieved 26 Jul. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  42. ^ Leeann Parker, editor (2001). Ohio State Football Gameday. The Ohio State Athletics Communications Office. p. 45. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  43. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.43
  44. ^ OSF Gameday 2002 p.61
  45. ^ "Eight Buckeyes in NFL Draft". TOSU Football Official Site. Retrieved 1 May. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

Sources

  • Official site Ohio State Football
  • Ohio State Football Traditions
  • Jack Park (2002). The Official Ohio State Football Encyclopedia. Sports Publishing LLC. ISBN 1-58261-006-1.
  • Jim Tressel (2003). Jeff Snook (ed.). What It Means To Be A Buckeye. Triumph Books. ISBN 1-57243-602-6.
  • Greenberg, S.; Ratermann, D. (2004). I Remember Woody. Triumph Books. ISBN 1-57243-674-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Robert Vare (1974). Buckeye: A Study of Coach Woody Hayes and the Ohio State Football Machine. Harper's Magazine Press. ISBN 0-06-129150-1.
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